Uniform rating against Council Policy

Ruapehu Bulletin, 31 August 1990, Page 8

Uniform rating against Council Policy

• Firstly I would like to commend the Ruapehu District Council representatives, who have taken the time to explain to rate-payers the Turnpage 12

LETTERS

From page 8 Councils' rating philos-, ophy and provide a forum for debating their proposals at the recent District meetings. Well done! However I was very disappointed with the General Manager's contempt and arrogance when replying (and not replying in some cases) to questions and issues put forward by rate-payers. A differential rating system would be far more practical and go further towards, and I quote two of the RDC's policy priorities, "the development and

promotion of a flexible district scheme supportive of industrial and commercial development" as well as "promotion of the district as a desirable location for commercial and residential purposes". A uniform rate would certainly not achieve these obiectives.

Alfred

Alabaster

• I must congratulate the Mayor and Councillors on convening the round of public meetings to discuss future rates collection. However, at the Raetihi meeting 28 August there was one councillor from Raetihi conspicuous by his absence, Cr Douglas Bennett. Where was Cr Bennett? On an issue as important as this and as our elected and paid representative it was his duty to be at that meeting. Regardless of whether he is personally for or against the proposal before council he should attend meetings to gauge rate payers response before voting on our behalf. As Cr Bennett is the only full time farmer on the council from the Waimarino District, he must surely be seen as the farmers representative. The Raetihi meeting was unanimous in its decision that the rates proposal before council should not be implemented in its present

form. This brings me to the point that Cr Bennett should attend meetings to listen to rate payers with an open mind. His own personal views should be secondary to the interests of the rate payers whom he represents, that is if they differ from unanimous decisions made at public meetings and as our elect vote accordingly.

Adrian

Godfrey

Raetihi